The healthcare sector is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of companies, from drugmakers to hospitals to medical device manufacturers. Healthcare stocks are some of the most popular and most volatile stocks on the market. They can be very rewarding investments, but they can also be very risky.
The healthcare sector has been one of the best-performing sectors in the stock market over the past few decades. This is due to a number of factors, including the aging population, the rise of new technologies, and the increasing demand for healthcare services.
However, the healthcare sector is also one of the most volatile sectors. This is because healthcare companies are often at the forefront of innovation, and they are constantly facing new challenges from competitors. As a result, healthcare stocks can be very volatile, and their prices can fluctuate wildly.
If you are considering investing in healthcare stocks, it is important to do your research and understand the risks involved. You should also be prepared to hold your investments for the long term, as the healthcare sector is likely to continue to be a major driver of economic growth in the years to come.
Here are some of the most popular healthcare stocks in the US market:
Biotech:
Biogen (BIIB)
Company name: Biogen
Ticker symbol: BIIB
Industry: Healthcare
Headquarters: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Biogen is an American multinational biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1978 by Charles Weissmann, Heinz Schaller, and Kenneth Murray.
Biogen’s products include multiple sclerosis drugs Tysabri, Avonex, and Rituxan; Alzheimer’s drugs Aduhelm and aducanumab; and psoriasis drug Cosentyx. The company also has a strong pipeline of new drugs in development.
Gilead Sciences (GILD)
Company name: Gilead Sciences
Ticker symbol: GILD
Industry: Healthcare
Headquarters: Foster City, California, United States
Website: https://www.gilead.com/
Gilead Sciences is an American biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and commercializes medicines in areas of unmet medical need. The company was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Foster City, California.
Gilead Sciences’ products include antiviral drugs for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, and influenza; cancer drugs; and drugs for other diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Amgen (AMGN)
Company name: Amgen
Ticker symbol: AMGN
Industry: Healthcare
Headquarters: Thousand Oaks, California, United States
Website: https://www.amgen.com/
Amgen is an American multinational biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and delivers human therapeutics. The company was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Thousand Oaks, California.
Amgen’s products include drugs for the treatment of cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The company also has a strong pipeline of new drugs in development.
Pharmaceuticals:
Pfizer (PFE)
Name: Pfizer Inc.
Ticker symbol: PFE
Industry: Healthcare
Website: https://www.pfizer.com/
Headquarters: New York City
Founded: 1849
CEO: Albert Bourla
Market capitalization: $266.8 billion (as of August 6, 2023)
Pfizer is an American multinational pharmaceutical corporation that is headquartered in New York City. It is one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, with operations in over 150 countries.
Pfizer’s products include prescription drugs, vaccines, and over-the-counter medications. The company’s prescription drug business is its largest segment, and it produces a wide range of drugs, including antibiotics, cancer treatments, and cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Pfizer’s vaccine business is also a major segment, and it produces a wide range of vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine, Prevnar 13, and Gardasil 9. The company’s over-the-counter medication business produces products, such as Advil, Robitussin, and ChapStick.
Pfizer is a good investment for investors who are looking for a company with a strong track record of growth. The company has been growing steadily for many years, and it is well-positioned to continue to grow in the years to come.
Here are some of the reasons why Pfizer is a good investment:
Strong brand reputation: Pfizer is one of the most well-known and respected brands in the world. This gives the company a significant advantage over its competitors.
Diversified business model: Pfizer has a diversified business model, which helps to reduce risk.
Strong financial performance: Pfizer has a strong financial performance, with consistent revenue growth and profitability. This makes the company a safe investment.
Experienced management team: Pfizer has an experienced management team with a long track record of success. This gives investors confidence in the company’s future.
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)
Name: Johnson & Johnson
Ticker symbol: JNJ
Industry: Healthcare
Website: https://www.jnj.com/
Headquarters: New Brunswick, New Jersey
Founded: 1886
CEO: Joaquin Duato
Market capitalization: $439.3 billion (as of August 6, 2023)
Johnson & Johnson is an American multinational healthcare company that is headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey. It is one of the world’s largest healthcare companies, with operations in over 60 countries.
Johnson & Johnson’s products include pharmaceuticals, medical devices, consumer healthcare products, and baby care products. The company’s pharmaceutical business is its largest segment, and it produces a wide range of drugs, including vaccines, anti-infectives, and cancer treatments.
Johnson & Johnson’s medical device business is also a major segment, and it produces a wide range of devices, including orthopedic implants, surgical instruments, and diagnostic equipment. The company’s consumer healthcare business produces over-the-counter products, such as Band-Aids, Tylenol, and Neutrogena.
Johnson & Johnson is a good investment for investors who are looking for a company with a strong track record of growth. The company has been growing steadily for many years, and it is well-positioned to continue to grow in the years to come.
Here are some of the reasons why Johnson & Johnson is a good investment:
Strong brand reputation: Johnson & Johnson is one of the most well-known and respected brands in the world. This gives the company a significant advantage over its competitors.
Diversified business model: Johnson & Johnson has a diversified business model, which helps to reduce risk.
Strong financial performance: Johnson & Johnson has a strong financial performance, with consistent revenue growth and profitability. This makes the company a safe investment.
Experienced management team: Johnson & Johnson has an experienced management team with a long track record of success. This gives investors confidence in the company’s future.
AbbVie (ABBV)
Company name: AbbVie
Ticker symbol: ABBV
Industry: Healthcare
Headquarters: North Chicago, Illinois, United States
Website: https://abbvie.com/
AbbVie is an American multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company headquartered in North Chicago, Illinois. It was formerly known as Abbott Laboratories’ pharmaceutical business division, which was spun off on January 1, 2013.
AbbVie’s products include Humira, which is the world’s best-selling drug, as well as Imbruvica, Skyrizi, and Rinvoq. The company also has a strong pipeline of new drugs in development.
Healthcare equipment:
Medtronic (MDT)
Company name: Medtronic
Ticker symbol: MDT
Industry: Healthcare
Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland
Website: https://www.medtronic.com/
Medtronic is an American multinational medical device and technology corporation that develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices and software solutions for the treatment of cardiac, vascular, neuromodulation, and urogenital diseases. The company was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
Medtronic’s products include pacemakers, defibrillators, insulin pumps, spinal implants, and surgical robots. The company also has a strong pipeline of new products in development.
Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO)
Company name: Thermo Fisher Scientific
Ticker symbol: TMO
Industry: Healthcare
Headquarters: Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
Website: https://www.thermofisher.com/
Thermo Fisher Scientific is an American multinational scientific instrument and laboratory supply company that develops, manufactures, and markets products, software, and services for research, manufacturing, clinical, and diagnostics markets. The company was founded in 1999 through the merger of Thermo Electron and Fisher Scientific.
Thermo Fisher Scientific’s products include laboratory equipment, reagents, consumables, software, and services for the life sciences, healthcare, and applied markets. The company also has a strong pipeline of new products in development.
Becton Dickinson (BDX)
Company name: Becton Dickinson
Ticker symbol: BDX
Industry: Healthcare
Headquarters: Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, United States
Website: https://www.bd.com/
Becton Dickinson is an American multinational medical technology company that develops, manufactures, and sells medical devices, instrument systems, and reagents used in research, diagnostics, and the delivery of healthcare. The company was founded in 1897 and is headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.
Becton Dickinson’s products include syringes, needles, IV sets, blood collection systems, and diagnostic reagents. The company also has a strong pipeline of new products in development.
Hospitals:
HCA Healthcare (HCA)
Company name: HCA Healthcare
Ticker symbol: HCA
Industry: Healthcare
Headquarters: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Website: https://www.hcahealthcare.com/
HCA Healthcare is an American multinational healthcare services company that operates hospitals, surgery centers, imaging centers, and other healthcare facilities in the United States. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.
HCA Healthcare’s hospitals include general acute care hospitals, specialty hospitals, and children’s hospitals. The company also has a strong pipeline of new hospitals in development.
UnitedHealth Group (UNH)
Name: UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
Ticker symbol: UNH
Industry: Healthcare
Website: https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/
Headquarters: Minnetonka, Minnesota
Founded: 1977
CEO: Andrew Witty
Market capitalization: $437.1 billion (as of August 6, 2023)
UnitedHealth Group is an American multinational health care and insurance company that is headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It is the largest health insurer in the United States, with over 145 million members.
UnitedHealth Group’s products include health insurance, pharmacy benefits management, and managed care. The company’s health insurance business is its largest segment, and it provides coverage to individuals, families, and businesses.
UnitedHealth Group’s pharmacy benefits management business is also a major segment, and it manages prescription drug benefits for employers, health plans, and individuals. The company’s managed care business provides a range of services, such as care coordination, disease management, and wellness programs.
UnitedHealth Group is a good investment for investors who are looking for a company with a strong track record of growth. The company has been growing steadily for many years, and it is well-positioned to continue to grow in the years to come.
Here are some of the reasons why UnitedHealth Group is a good investment:
Strong brand reputation: UnitedHealth Group is one of the most well-known and respected brands in the world. This gives the company a significant advantage over its competitors.
Diversified business model: UnitedHealth Group has a diversified business model, which helps to reduce risk.
Strong financial performance: UnitedHealth Group has a strong financial performance, with consistent revenue growth and profitability. This makes the company a safe investment.
Experienced management team: UnitedHealth Group has an experienced management team with a long track record of success. This gives investors confidence in the company’s future.
Cigna (CI)
Company name: Cigna
Ticker symbol: CI
Industry: Healthcare
Headquarters: Bloomfield, Connecticut, United States
Website: https://www.cigna.com/
Cigna is an American multinational health insurance company that provides health insurance to individuals, families, and businesses in the United States and select international markets. The company was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut.
Cigna’s products include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and life insurance. The company also has a strong pipeline of new products in development.
Insurance:
Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A)
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway
Ticker symbol: BRK.A
Industry: Conglomerate
Headquarters: Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Website: https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/
Berkshire Hathaway is an American multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. The company was founded in 1888 by Oliver Chace, but it was acquired by Warren Buffett in 1965.
Berkshire Hathaway owns a wide variety of businesses, including insurance companies, railroads, utilities, and energy companies. The company also has a large portfolio of investments in other companies.
UnitedHealth Group (UNH)
Company name: UnitedHealth Group
Ticker symbol: UNH
Industry: Healthcare
Headquarters: Minnetonka, Minnesota, United States
Website: https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/
UnitedHealth Group is an American multinational healthcare and insurance company headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, United States. The company was founded in 1977 and is one of the largest healthcare companies in the world.
UnitedHealth Group offers a wide variety of health insurance products, including health plans for individuals, families, and businesses. The company also owns and operates a number of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
Welltower (WELL)
Company name: Welltower
Ticker symbol: WELL
Industry: Healthcare
Headquarters: Toledo, Ohio, United States
Website: https://www.welltower.com/
Welltower is an American multinational real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests in seniors housing and healthcare facilities. The company was founded in 2015 and is one of the largest seniors housing REITs in the world.
Welltower owns and operates a portfolio of more than 170,000 senior housing units and healthcare facilities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The company’s properties include independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities.
These stocks are all large-cap companies with a long history of innovation and growth. They are all leaders in their respective industries, and they are all well-positioned to continue to grow in the years to come.
Of course, there are many other healthcare stocks that are worth considering. The healthcare sector is constantly evolving, and new companies are emerging all the time. If you are looking for growth potential, the healthcare sector is a great place to start your search.
